Self closing coupling

ABSTRACT

A valve arrangement for dispensing liquid from a flexible container ( 124 ) is disclosed. It includes a container dispenser body ( 106 ) connected to a flexible container ( 124 ) for containing a liquid and a first biasing means ( 168 ) adapted to bias a first closing member ( 110 ) to close off a first passage ( 107 ) in the container dispenser body ( 106 ); and a valve body ( 118 ) with a second biasing means ( 120 ) adapted to bias a second closing member ( 116, 118 ) to close off a second passage ( 119 ) defined in the valve body ( 118 ); and a dispensing member ( 122 ) operatively connected to the valve body ( 118 ); and operating means ( 114, 198, 136 ) which moves the two bodies ( 118, 106 ) into an operative position, against the two biasing means ( 168, 120 ) to open the two passages ( 107, 119 ) allowing liquid to flow from the flexible container ( 124 ) along the first passage ( 107 ) and out of the second passage ( 119 ).

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve arrangement fordispensing liquids, in particularly beverages.

BACKGROUND TO INVENTION

[0002] When large quantities of beverages and liquid extracts are soldto bars, cinema houses, etc., it is often desirable to sell these in aform to save space and transport costs. The beverage or extract thus iscontained in a flexible container such as a flexible pouch of plasticsmaterial.

[0003] When required, the user couples the flexible container to anexisting dispensing member or system, which is fixed in position, anddispenses the beverage or extract for consumption or prior mixing withanother beveral or liquid prior to consumption.

[0004] From time to time it is necessary to replace the flexiblecontainers containing the beverages or extracts when used up. It istherefore necessary to disconnect the flexible container from thedispensing member or system. The connection of the flexible container tothe dispensing member or system is by means of a valve arrangement. Thisvalve arrangement should be simple in construction and inexpensive tomake. It should not leak or drip and must not permit ingress of air intothe flexible container or into the dispensing member or system.Furthermore, once the flexible container has been connected to thedispensing member or system, the valve arrangement should be easilyopened to allow flow of the beverage or liquid extract.

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a valvearrangement, which meets the conditions set out above more successfullythan other known valve arrangements.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0006] According to the invention, a valve arrangement for dispensingliquid from a flexible container, is characterized thereby that itincludes

[0007] a first set of components including:

[0008] a) a container dispenser body adapted to be connected on acontainer side to a flexible container for containing a liquid and on adispenser side opposite to the container side to a second set ofcomponents;

[0009] b) a first passage defined in the container dispenser body havingan inlet opening on its container side and an outlet opening on itsdispenser side;

[0010] c) a first closing member adapted to close off the first passagebetween its outlet opening and the its opening;

[0011] d) first biasing means adapted in a position of rest to bias thefirst closing member to close off the first passage;

[0012] and a second set of components including:

[0013] e) a valve body adapted to be operatively connected to thecontainer dispenser body;

[0014] f) a second passage defined in the valve body and having an inletopening on its side to face the container dispenser body when connectedto its dispenser side and an outlet opening opposite to the inletopening;

[0015] g) a second closing member adapted to close off the secondpassage between its inlet opening and its outlet opening;

[0016] h) second biasing means adapted in a position of rest to bias thesecond closing member to close off the second passage;

[0017] i) a dispensing member operatively connected to the valve body;and

[0018] j) operating means adapted to move the valve body and thecontainer dispenser body relatively together from their respectivepositions of rest into an operative position in which the first passageand the second passage are opened against the action of their respectivebiasing means for allowing liquid to flow along the first passage fromthe flexible container into the second passage and out of the secondpassage.

[0019] The operating means may include guiding means for rotatablyguiding a nut associated with the valve body along at least one spiralgroove provided externally on the container body.

[0020] The guiding means may include at least one spiral groove providedexternally on the container body and associated protrusion(s) providedinternally in the nut.

[0021] The first closing member may include a stem associated with thefirst biasing means in the form of a diaphragm body, the diaphragm bodybeing adapted to close off the first passage between its inlet openingand its outlet opening.

[0022] The second closing member may include a valve body adapted toclose off the second passage between its inlet opening and its outletopening.

[0023] The second biasing means may include a coil spring adapted to actbetween the dispensing member and the valve body for biasing the valvebody relatively towards the container dispenser body during its positionof rest.

[0024] The arrangement may be made of suitable plastics material, e.g.by injection moulding.

[0025] Also according to the invention, a flexible container for liquidwith a container valve arrangement for dispensing liquid, ischaracterized thereby that it includes

[0026] a first set of components including:

[0027] a) a container dispenser body connected on a container side tothe flexible container and on an dispenser side being adapted to beconnected opposite to the container side to a second set of components;

[0028] b) a first passage defined in the container dispenser body havingan inlet opening on its container side and an outlet opening on itsdispenser side;

[0029] c) a first closing member adapted to close off the first passagebetween its outlet opening and its inlet opening; and

[0030] d) first biasing means adapted in a position of rest to bias thefirst closing member to close off the first passage.

[0031] Further according to the invention, a dispensing arrangement fordispensing liquid from a flexible container, characterized thereby thatit includes a second set of components including:

[0032] a) a valve body adapted to be operatively connected to acontainer dispenser body;

[0033] b) a second passage defined in the valve body and having an inletopening on its side to face the container dispenser body when connectedto its dispenser side and an outlet opening opposite to the inletopening;

[0034] c) a second closing member adapted to close off the secondpassage between its inlet opening and its outlet opening;

[0035] d) second biasing means adapted in a position of rest to bias thesecond closing member to close off the second passage between its inletopening and its outlet opening;

[0036] e) a dispensing member operatively connected to the valve body;and

[0037] f) operating means adapted to move the valve body and thecontainer dispenser body relatively together from their respectiveposition of rest into an operative position in which the first passagein a container dispenser body to which it is connected and the secondpassage are opened against the action of their respective biasing meansfor allowing liquid to flow from the first passage into the secondpassage and out of the second passage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0038] The invention will now be described by way of example withreference to the accompanying schematic drawings.

[0039] In the drawings there is shown in:

[0040]FIG. 1: a sectional side view of a valve arrangement in accordancewith the invention prior to assembly;

[0041]FIG. 2: a view corresponding to FIG. 1 but showing the assembledvalve arrangement in the closed position or position of rest;

[0042]FIG. 3: a view corresponding to FIG. 2 but showing the assembledvalve arrangement in the open position;

[0043]FIG. 4: a pictorial view of the container dispenser body of thevalve arrangement illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3;

[0044]FIG. 5: an outside view of the container dispenser body shown inFIG. 4;

[0045]FIG. 6: a view of the container dispenser body corresponding toFIG. 5 but turned through 90°;

[0046]FIG. 7: a sectional side view of the container dispenser body seenalong arrows VII-VII in FIG. 5;

[0047]FIG. 8: an enlarged detail indicated by arrow VIII in FIG. 7;

[0048]FIG. 9: an enlarged detail indicated by arrow IX in FIG. 6;

[0049]FIG. 10: an end view of the container dispenser body seen alongarrow X in FIG. 5;

[0050]FIG. 11: an end view of the container dispenser body seen alongarrow XI in FIG. 5;

[0051]FIG. 12: an enlarged detail indicated by arrow XII in FIG. 7;

[0052]FIG. 13: a pictorial view of the valve stopper of the valvearrangement illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3;

[0053]FIG. 14: an end view of the valve stopper seen along arrow XIV inFIG. 13;

[0054]FIG. 15: a side view of the valve stopper seen along arrow XV inFIG. 14;

[0055]FIG. 16: a sectional side view of the valve stopper seen alongarrows XVI-XVI in FIG. 15;

[0056]FIG. 17: an enlarged detail indicated by arrow XVII in FIG. 16;

[0057]FIG. 18: a pictorial view of the diaphram body of the valvearrangement illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3;

[0058]FIG. 19: a side view of the diaphram body shown in FIG. 18;

[0059]FIG. 20: an end view of the diaphram body seen along arrow XX inFIG. 19;

[0060]FIG. 21: a sectional side view of the diaphram body seen alongarrow XXI-XXI in FIG. 19;

[0061]FIG. 22: an enlarged detail indicated by arrow XXII in FIG. 21;

[0062]FIG. 23: a pictorial view of the pilfer-proof closure cap of thevalve arrangement illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3;

[0063]FIG. 24: a pictorial view of the closure cap of FIG. 23 seen fromthe opposite side;

[0064]FIG. 25: a side view of the closure cap seen along arrow XXV inFIG. 23;

[0065]FIG. 26: an end view of the closure cap seen along arrow XXVI inFIG. 25;

[0066]FIG. 27: a sectional side view of the closure cap seen alongarrows XXVII-XXVII in FIG. 26;

[0067]FIG. 28: a sectional side of the closure cap seen along arrowsXXVIII-XXVIII in FIG. 26;

[0068]FIG. 29: an enlarged detail indicated by arrow XXIX in FIG. 27;

[0069]FIG. 30: an enlarged detail indicated by arrow XXX in FIG. 28;

[0070]FIG. 31: an enlarged detail indicated by arrow XXXI in FIG. 29:

[0071]FIG. 32: a pictorial view of the operating nut of the valvearrangement illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3;

[0072]FIG. 33: a side view of the operating nut seen along arrow XXXIIIin FIG. 32;

[0073]FIG. 34: an end view of the operating nut seen along arrow XXXIVin FIG. 33;

[0074]FIG. 35: a sectional side view of the operating nut seen alongarrows XXXV-XXXV in FIG. 34;

[0075]FIG. 36: a sectional side view of the operating nut seen alongarrows XXXVI-XXVI in FIG. 34;

[0076]FIG. 37: a pictorial view of the second valve body of the valvearrangement illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3;

[0077]FIG. 38: a side view of the second valve body seen along arrowXXXVIII in FIG. 37;

[0078]FIG. 39: an end view of the second valve body seen along arrowXXXIX in FIG. 38;

[0079]FIG. 40: a pictorial view of the first valve body of the valvearrangement illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3;

[0080]FIG. 41: a pictorial view of the first valve body shown in FIG. 40but seen from the opposite side;

[0081]FIG. 42: an end view of the first valve body seen along arrow XLIIin FIG. 40;

[0082]FIG. 43: an opposite end view of the first valve body seen alongarrow XLIII in FIG. 41;

[0083]FIG. 44: a side view of the valve body seen along arrow XLIV inFIG. 42;

[0084]FIG. 45: a sectional side view of the first valve body seen alongarrows XLV-XLV in FIG. 44;

[0085]FIG. 46: on an enlarged scale a detail indicated by arrow XLVI inFIG. 45;

[0086]FIG. 47: a pictorial view of a dispenser fitting of a valvearrangement illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3;

[0087]FIG. 48: a side view of the dispenser fitting seen along arrowXLVIII in FIG. 47;

[0088]FIG. 49: a view of the dispenser fitting seen along arrow XLIX inFIG. 48; and

[0089]FIG. 50: a view of the dispenser fitting seen along arrow L inFIG. 48.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0090] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a valve arrangement in accordance withthe invention, generally indicated by reference numeral 100, is shown.

[0091] The valve arrangement 100 includes a first set of componentsindicated by reference numeral 102 and a second set of associatedcomponents indicated by reference numeral 104. The first set ofcomponents 102 are adapted to be attached to a pouch or flexiblecontainer containing a beverage, e.g. wine, or a liquid extract, e.g.for making a soft drink.

[0092] The second set of components 104 are located at a dispensinglocation, e.g. in a bar or restaurant, a factory, an office or indomestic premises.

[0093] The first set of components 102 include a container dispenserbody 106 having an internal passage 107, a valve stopper 108, and adiaphram body 110.

[0094] Prior to use, the first components 102 are closed off by means ofa closure cap 112.

[0095] The second set of components 104 include an operating nut 114, afirst valve body 116, a second valve body 118 having an internal passage119, a stainless steel coil spring 120 and a dispenser fitting 122.

[0096]FIG. 2 shows the assembled valve arrangement with the first set ofcomponents attached to a flexible container or bag 124 and with theclosure cap 112 removed so that the second set of components 104 can befitted to the first set of components. In this position the valvearrangement 100 is in the closed position and no liquid can flow fromthe flexible container 124 through the passages 107 and 119 to thedispenser fitting 122.

[0097] In FIG. 3 the operating nut 114 has been rotated so as to causethe valve arrangement 100 to open and to allow flow of the beverage fromthe flexible container 124 through the valve arrangement and along thedispenser fitting 122 for dispensing purposes.

[0098] The operation of the valve arrangement 100 will be described inmore detail after the description of the various components as set outbelow.

[0099] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 12 the container dispenser body 106 isillustrated.

[0100] The body 106 has a first tubular part 126 and a second tubularpart 128 between which a disc 130 is provided. The first tubular part106 is adapted to be inserted through a gland 131 in a flexiblecontainer 124.

[0101] The second part 128 therefore protrudes to the outside of thegland 131 of the flexible container 124.

[0102] The first part 106 is provided at its open end 132 with a scalloptype of formation so as to prevent the open end to be closed off by anopposite part of a flexible container 124 as it reaches its empty stageand collapses under atmospheric pressure.

[0103] On the outside of the first part 126 a number of rings 134 areprovided. These rings 134 are tightly and sealingly fitted to the gland131 provided in a flexible container 124.

[0104] The second part 128 has two opposite spiral grooves 136 whichextend from the open end 138 of the second part 128 up to adjacent thedisc 130. At the disc 130 the spiral groove 136 extends into a straightpart 140 and a step 142 is provided between the part 140 and the spiralgroove 136.

[0105] At the end 138 an annular ridge 144 is provided. On its insidethe second part 128 is provided with an inwardly directed collar 146from which there extends an annular ring 148. The annular ring 148terminates in an inclined step formation 150 as shown in FIG. 8.

[0106] On the inside a step 151 is provided adjacent the collar 146directed to the open end 132 of the first part 126.

[0107] An annular ridge 152 is provided in the first part 126.

[0108] The valve stopper 108 is illustrated in FIGS. 13 to 17.

[0109] The valve stopper 108 has an annular ring 154 with a central hub156 which is joined to the annular ring 154 by means of radial arms 158defining spaces 159 between them. Between the ring 154 and the hub 156an intermediate ring 160 is provided. Flow can take place through thespaces 159.

[0110] A stem 162 extends from the hub 156. As can be seen from FIGS. 13and 14 the stem 162 is flattened on one side 164.

[0111] Furthermore, as indicated in FIG. 17 a raised section 166 isprovided adjacent the annular ring 154.

[0112] The diaphram body 110 is illustrated in FIGS. 18 to 22. Thediaphram body 110 includes a cup 168 from which a stem 170 extends. Atits end the stem 170 is provided with a frusto-conical formation 172.The stem 170 includes a hollow cylindrical passage 174.

[0113] The annular end 176 of the cup 168 is provided with a thickenedannular ring portion 178 as shown in FIG. 22.

[0114] At the beginning of the passage 174 a thickened annular section180 is provided as shown in FIGS. 19 and 21.

[0115] The closure cap 112 is illustrated in FIGS. 23 to 31.

[0116] The closure cap 112 includes a disc 182 attached by way of atearable section 184 to a ring 186. A gripping tab 188 is joined to thering 186.

[0117] The cap 112 is fitted to the outside of the annular body 106 asshown in FIG. 1.

[0118] In FIGS. 32 to FIGS. 35 the operating nut 114 is illustrated.

[0119] The operating nut 114 includes a cylindrical body 190 on theoutside of which a number of longitudinal recesses 192 and ridges 194are provided for gripping purposes.

[0120] The body 190 is slightly tapered as is in particular clear fromFIGS. 32, 33 and 35.

[0121] At its one open end 196 the operating nut 114 has two oppositeknobs 198 which co-operate with the spiral grooves 136 of the containerdispenser body 106 shown in FIGS. 4 to 7.

[0122] At its opposite end 200 the nut 114 has an inwardly directedcollar 202 which is divided into two parts by way of two oppositecut-outs 204.

[0123] The second valve body 118 is illustrated in FIGS. 37 to 39. Thesecond valve body 118 has a cylindrical part 206 having an inwardlydirected collar 208 at an inlet opening 210 of the passage 119, thecollar 208 passing over into an internal ring 212. The ring 212 has abent-over part 214 with an annular seat 216.

[0124] On the inside surface 218 of the ring 206 a number of concentricrings 220 are provided at the outlet opening 221 opposite the inletopening 210.

[0125] The first valve body 116 is illustrated in FIGS. 40 to 46. Thefirst valve body 116 includes an annular ring 222, which has on itsinside a cup-shaped formation 224. Centrally the cup-shape formation 224has a stem part 226 having a recess 228 at one end.

[0126] The cup-shaped formation 224 is supported by radial arms 230defining gaps 231 between them. Flow can take place through the gaps231.

[0127] An annular ridge 232 is provided on the cup-shaped part 224concentric to the stem 226.

[0128] In FIGS. 47 to 50 the dispenser fitting 122 is shown. Thedispenser fitting 122 has a first tubular part 234 joined to a secondtubular part 236 having an increased diameter and, which in turnterminates in a third tubular part 238 with an even larger diameter.

[0129] The tubular part 238 is provided with a ring 240 on its outersurface and carries an annular outwardly directed collar 242, which hastwo opposite flattened surfaces 244.

[0130] The part 238 has an internal passage 246 leading into a passage248 which further leads into a passage 250 in the part 234. From thepart 234 a spigot 252 extends with engagement rings 254 on the outsideand a disc 256 close to the part 234. The passage 250 is incommunication with a further passage 258 in the spigot 252.

[0131] In use, the first set of components 102 are attached to aflexible container 124 in that the container dispenser body 106 istightly and sealingly fitted by way of the rings 134 to the gland 131fixed to the flexible container 124. The flexible container 124 isfilled with a beverage or liquid extract. The beverage (or extract)cannot flow out through the dispenser body 106 because the cup 168 ofthe diaphragm body 110 abuts sealingly against the inwardly directedcollar 146 of the second part 128.

[0132] Similarly the second set of components 104 joined to a dispensermember (e.g. a tap—not shown) connected to the dispenser fitting 122 isclosed off and no backflow can take place. This is achieved in that thespring 120 presses the first valve body 116 so that the annular ridge232 abuts sealingly against the annular seat 216. This is also theposition of rest when the operating nut 114 is uncoupled from the secondpart 128).

[0133] When the operating nut 114 is coupled to the second part 128 theclosed position is as illustrated in FIG. 2. However, on rotating thenut 114 through 90° in that the knobs 198 slide in the grooves 136, thestem 170 presses the first valve body 116 against the biasing action ofthe spring 120 (as shown in FIG. 3) so that the annular ridge 232 ismoved away from the seat 216 to open an annular gap 260 andsimultaneously the cup 168 of the diaphragm body 116 is pushed togetherso that it lifts off the collar 146 to provided an annular gap 262through which beverage can flow from the flexible container 124 throughthe passages 107 and 119 to be dispensed by way of the dispenser spigot252 wherever required.

[0134] Reference numerals

[0135]100 valve arrangement or valve

[0136]102 first set of components

[0137]104 second set of associated components

[0138]106 container dispenser body

[0139]107 internal passage

[0140]108 valve stopper

[0141]110 diaphram body

[0142]112 closure cap

[0143]114 operating nut

[0144]116 first valve body

[0145]118 second valve body

[0146]119 internal passage

[0147]120 stainless steel coil spring

[0148]122 dispenser fitting

[0149]124 flexible container or pouch

[0150]126 first tubular part

[0151]128 second tubular part

[0152]130 disc

[0153]131 gland

[0154]132 open end

[0155]134 rings

[0156]136 spiral groove

[0157]138 open end of the second part

[0158]140 straight part

[0159]142step

[0160]144 annular ridge

[0161]146 inwardly directed collar

[0162]148 annular ring

[0163]150 curved formation

[0164]151 step

[0165]152 annular ring

[0166]154 annular ring

[0167]156 central hub

[0168]158 radial arms

[0169]159 spaces

[0170]160 intermediate ring

[0171]162 stem

[0172]164 flattened side of stem

[0173]166 raised section

[0174]168 cup

[0175]162 stem

[0176]172 frosto-conical formation

[0177]174 passage

[0178]176 annular end

[0179]178 thickened annular ring portion

[0180]180 thickened annular section

[0181]182 disc

[0182]184 tearable section

[0183]186 ring

[0184]188 gripping tab

[0185]190 cylindrical body

[0186]192 longitudinal recesses

[0187]194 longitudinal ridges

[0188]196 open end

[0189]198 two opposite knobs

[0190]200 opposite end

[0191]202 inwardly directed collar

[0192]204 two opposite cut-outs

[0193]206 cylindrical part

[0194]208 collar

[0195]210 inlet opening

[0196]212internal ring

[0197]214 bent-over part

[0198]216 annular seat

[0199]218 inside surface of ring

[0200]220 concentric rings

[0201]222 annular ring

[0202]224 cup-shaped formation

[0203]226 stem

[0204]228 recess

[0205]230 radial arms

[0206]231 gaps

[0207]232 annular ridge

[0208]234 first tubular part

[0209]236 second tubular part

[0210]238 third tubular part

[0211]240 ring

[0212]242 annular outwardly directed collar

[0213]244 flattened surface

[0214]246 passage

[0215]248 passage

[0216]250 passage

[0217]252 spigot

[0218]254 engagement rings

[0219]256 disc

[0220]258 passage

[0221]260 annular gap

[0222]262 annular gap

1. A valve arrangement for dispensing liquid from a flexible container(124), characterized thereby that it includes a first set of components(102) including: a) a container dispenser body (106) adapted to beconnected on a container side to a flexible container (124) forcontaining a liquid and on a dispenser side opposite to the containerside to a second set of components (104); b) a first passage (107)defined in the container dispenser body (106) having an inlet opening(132) on its container side and an outlet opening (138) on its dispenserside; c) a first closing member (110) adapted to close off the firstpassage (107) between its outlet opening (138) and the its opening(132); d) first biasing means (168) adapted in a position of rest tobias the first closing member (110) to close off the first passage(107); and a second set of components (104) including: e) a valve body(118) adapted to be operatively connected to the container dispenserbody (106); f) a second passage (119) defined in the valve body (118)and having an inlet opening (210) on its side to face the containerdispenser body (106) when connected to its dispenser side and an outletopening (221) opposite to the inlet opening (210); g) a second closingmember (116, 118) adapted to close off the second passage (119) betweenits inlet opening (210) and its outlet opening (221); h) second biasingmeans (120) adapted in a position of rest to bias the second closingmember (116, 118) to close off the second passage (119); i) a dispensingmember (122) operatively connected to the valve body (118); and j)operating means (114, 198, 136) adapted to move the valve body (118) andthe container dispenser body (106) relatively together from theirrespective positions of rest into an operative position in which thefirst passage (107) and the second passage (119) are opened against theaction of their respective biasing means (168, 120) for allowing liquidto flow along the first passage (107) from the flexible container (124)into the second passage (119) and out of the second passage (119).
 2. Anarrangement as claimed in claim 1, characterized thereby that theoperating means (114, 198, 136) includes guiding means (198, 136) forrotatably guiding a nut (114) associated with the valve body (118) alongat least one spiral groove (136) provided externally on the containerbody (106).
 3. An arrangement as claimed in claim 2, characterizedthereby that the guiding means (198, 136) includes at least one spiralgroove (136) provided externally on the container body (106) andassociated protrusion(s) (198) provided internally in the nut (114). 4.An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims,characterized thereby that the first closing member (110) includes astem (162) associated with the first biasing means in the form of adiaphragm body (168), the diaphragm body (168) being adapted to closeoff the first passage (107) between its inlet opening (132) and itsoutlet opening (138).
 5. An arrangement as claimed in any one of thepreceding claims, characterized thereby that the second closing member(116, 118) includes a valve body (116) adapted to close off the secondpassage (119) between its inlet opening (210) and its outlet opening(221).
 6. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims,characterized thereby that the second biasing means includes a coilspring (120) adapted to act between the dispensing member (122) and thevalve body (116) for biasing the valve body (116) relatively towards thecontainer dispenser body (106) during its position of rest.
 7. Anarrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterizedthereby that it is made of suitable plastics material, e.g. by injectionmoulding.
 8. A flexible container for liquid with a container valvearrangement for dispensing liquid, characterized thereby that itincludes a first set of components (102) including: a) a containerdispenser body (106) connected on a container side to the flexiblecontainer (124) and on an dispenser side being adapted to be connectedopposite to the container side to a second set of components (104); b) afirst passage (107) defined in the container dispenser body (106) havingan inlet opening (132) on its container side and an outlet opening (138)on its dispenser side; c) a first closing member (110) adapted to closeoff the first passage (107) between its outlet opening (138) and itsinlet opening (132); and d) first biasing means (168) adapted in aposition of rest to bias the first closing member (110) to close off thefirst passage (107).
 9. A dispensing arrangement for dispensing liquidfrom a flexible container (124), characterized thereby that it includesa second set of components (104) including: a) a valve body (118)adapted to be operatively connected to a container dispenser body (106);b) a second passage (119) defined in the valve body (118) and having aninlet opening (210) on its side to face the container dispenser body(106) when connected to its dispenser side and an outlet opening (221)opposite to the inlet opening (210); c) a second closing member (116,118) adapted to close off the second passage (119) between its inletopening (210) and its outlet opening (221); d) second biasing means(120) adapted in a position of rest to bias the second closing member(116, 118) to close off the second passage (119) between its inletopening (210) and its outlet opening (221); e) a dispensing member (122)operatively connected to the valve body (118); and f) operating means(114, 198, 136) adapted to move the valve body (118) and the containerdispenser body (106) relatively together from their respective positionof rest into an operative position in which the first passage (107) in acontainer dispenser body (106) to which it is connected and the secondpassage (119) are opened against the action of their respective biasingmeans (168, 120) for allowing liquid to flow from the first passage(107) into the second passage (119) and out of the second passage (119).